Latch device for hand bags



S. STEINMAN LATCH DEVICE FOR HAND BAGS July 5, 1927. 1,634,918-

Filed Nov; 5, 1925 INVENIOR 'ATI'ORNEYO Patented July 5, 1927.

PATENT OFFICE.

SAMUEL STEINMAN, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

LATCH DEVICE FOR HAND BAGS.

Application filed November 3, 1925. Serial No. 66,486.

My invention relates to a new and improved latch device for hand-bags.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a latch device which shall have a 6 Springy or resilient action but which will not require the use of any springs in the latch member or directly associated with the latch member.

Another object of my invention is to provide a latch device of great simplicity,

cheapness and durability.

Another object of my invention is to provide a latch device, the use of which will not injure or'twist the frame members in any 15. manner.

Other objects of my invention will be set forth in the following description and drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment thereof, it being understood that the above 2 general statement of the objects of my invention is intended to generally illustrate the same and not to limit it in any manner.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a handbag embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a detail front elevation showing the latch device in the closed or operative position.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the latch device in the open or inopera tive position.

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 and is partially in elevation.

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 55' of Fig. 3.

Thedevice has frame members 1 and 2 connected by a pintle or pivot member 10. The frame members 1 and 2 have the fabric 3 connected thereto in any ordinary manner so as to provide a complete bag. The ends 4 of the frame members 1 and 2 which are directly adjacent the pintle or pivot member 10, are adapted to contact with each other while the. frame members 1 and 2 are still slightly separated from each other. Hence, in order to move the frame members 1 and 2 into the completely closed position, it is necessary to exert a slight force and the resiliency of the frame members 1 and 2 is sufficient to enable them to be moved to the completely closed position. This slight yield of the frame members with respect to their hinge portions can be secured in any other or suitable manner.

Theframe member 1 has two posts 6 connected at the top thereof and the frame member 2, whichmay be designated as the rear frame member, has two similar posts 9 connected at the top thereof. Each post 9 is aligned with one of the posts 6. A latch member 4 having a projecting finger-hold 5 is pivoted at 8 to the latch posts 9. As clearly shown in Fig. 3, the latch member 4 also has a tongue 7 and this tongue 7 is adapted to enter the space between the posts 6, when the frame members 1 and 2 have been forced to the completely closed position. WVhen the latch member 1 is forced to thelocking position shown in Fig. 4:, for example, the lateral flanges of the fingerhold 5 engage the front posts 6 so that when the device is in the closed position, the fiat" inner faces of the said flanges are in full contact with the front faces of the posts 6.

It requires a slight amount of force to actuate the latch member 4c into the operative or into the inoperative position.

When the latch member is moved to the operative position, the tongue 7 enters the spaces between the front posts 6 and the rear posts 9 so that any lateral twisting of the frame members is prevented. This prevents any injury to the pintle or pivot member 10, no matter how many times the bag is opened or closed.

It is obvious that no springs are directly associated with the latch member 4, but that the natural resiliency of the bag frame is sufficient to keep the latch member 4. firmly in the operative position.

While I have shown my latch device as applied to the frames of hand-bags, I do not limit the scope of my invention to any particular type of bag, box or the like.

I have shown a preferred embodimentof my device, but it is clear that numerous changes and omissions could be made Without departing from its spirit.

I claim a In a bag of the type having a frame comprising front and rear frame members pivotally connected to each other, separated upstanding front posts provided on said front frame li'iember at the 01) thereof, having separated upstemiing rear posits provided on said rear member, said i'eei' pee-tr; being SUiJ- stani'iuliy aligned \Yilil said i'i'eiit pests, and a latch member loemeii iniei'nienliaie said rear posts and pivotziiiy eenneeted thereto, said latch member having a tongue adapted to enter between the from; posts and else having :1 head adapted t0 engage the front faces: of said front posts, said front faces at said front posts being planar and the engaging surfaces of said head being eorrespendingly shaped.

In testimony whereof I afllx my signature.

SAMUEL STEINMAN. 

